Mr Weston said: “I’ve been involved in care for the last 35 years. As you can see from the scars, I needed looking after. Even in the journey after my injuries they thought that I wouldn’t live.

“I feel privileged to be involved with St Martins Care because of the great dedication of the people who work here and the great people who live here.

“St Martins Care is investing in its people, its premises and its training, which is having an impressive impact. You can see the effect on the faces of staff and the residents.”

St Martins Care operates six care homes across the North-east.

Woodside Grange is a purpose-built care home for up to 118 people, which provides nursing and personal care for both older people with dementia and people with learning disabilities.

Its recent CQC inspection talks about “strong leadership presence and a registered manager who had a clear vision about the direction of the service”.

Patron Simon Weston visits and chats with one of the residents (Image: Chris Booth/St Martins Care)

Manager of the home Julia Hodgson said “To have Simon Weston join us is a great sign of his support and passion for the care community.

“This relaunch of Woodside Grange is a great chance for us all (residents, staff and families) to celebrate together.”

“The fact we’ve received ‘good in all areas’ involves so much hard work. We want everyone to know the great strides we have made here at Woodside Grange. And we are determined we will make it outstanding in the future.”

Mr Weston offered his congratulations to the staff on the achievement and said it is a “pleasure” to support them.